College of Business students, faculty advisors, and Dean receive highest honors at international competition

Last week, three teams from Missouri State University’s Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) student chapter, traveled to Baltimore, Maryland for the International Meeting and Best Practices competition. Two of the teams earned top finishes:

Other members attending the competition included: Derek Walters, Amanda Wieberg, and Elizabeth Sivill

“I am so proud of our Beta Alpha Psi students. Having been at countless BAP Best Practice competitions for years and having judged many of them, I know from experience that the competition is very stiff. These are the best accounting, finance and information students in the country,” states Dr. Stephanie Bryant, dean of the College of Business.

Dean Bryant and faculty advisors receive highest honors

In addition to the student competitions at the international meeting, Dr. Stephanie Bryant, dean of the College of Business, was honored with the Outstanding Dean Award. This award is presented annually in recognition of the support dean’s give to their university’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter. Only one Dean’s Award is given per year.

In the nomination letter to the selection committee, BAP President Elizabeth Sivill states “Dean Bryant has provided a tremendous amount of support for our organization…The Dean has selflessly given her time to our chapter. As the former international president of Beta Alpha Psi, Dean Bryant is always available to offer advice and counsel. She embodies the roles of a traditional Dean and exceeds the standards without hesitation.”

BAP advisors Dr. George Schmelzle and Dr. Carl Keller were also honored at the meeting, jointly receiving the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award. This award is presented each year to approximately five or fewer faculty advisors who make substantial contributions to the professional growth and development of business and financial information students. Beta Alpha Psi, through its cooperation with McGladrey LLP, recognizes outstanding faculty advisors with a plaque and a cash award of $5,000.

“Their dedication not only goes to our chapter, but also into their teaching and service work within Missouri State University and the accounting field” states Sivill. “They have spent countless hours and late evenings helping our chapter run efficiently and to its fullest potential.”

Similar sentiments of teamwork were echoed by Dean Bryant, “This kind of result doesn’t happen without dedicated faculty advisors. Dr. Carl Keller and Dr. George Schmelzle have provided top-notch leadership to this group for many years.”

“Seeing our university represented in all three categories of best practices and having Dean Bryant and our advisors winning awards at the international level will be one my favorite memories during my tenure as president,” states Sivill.

About Beta Alpha Psi

In order to become a member of Beta Alpha Psi, students must attend an AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accredited program, be among the top 35% of their university class or have a 3.25 cumulative GPA. There are more than 300 Beta Alpha Psi Chapters across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The 2016 international competition was sponsored by Deloitte.